Lusaka, January 22, 2015 – With 90 constituencies having been called in so far by the ECZ that are showing that our candidate Hon. Edgar Lungu is comfortably ahead in the race, I would like on behalf of the party, to re-affirm our call for calm as the Commission finalizes the results. As a ruling party, we fully comprehend that the Zambian people want a complete set of results and a winner declared as soon as possible but then we are also cognizant of the fact that the law does exist and it must be followed so that we continue leading by example.
The President is in constant touch with party representatives across the country and wishes to assure our supporters that he is satisfied with the ongoing yield the party continues to make. Please understand that democracy is not only about numbers but also largely about patience and our party as the facilitators of this process want only to follow the law as it is stipulated in the Electoral Act. We do not want to be like others that want to take matters in their own hands by declaring themselves winners before the votes are cast and also by showing resistance in accepting defeat before the cast votes are counted.
ECZ yesterday extended voting in 51 of the total of 6435 polling stations country-wide due to bad weather and we respect the decision of the commission. If we can wait a day, there must be nothing wrong in waiting another hour or two in the name of democracy and political maturity. I therefore urge our supporters and our members to continue being a shining example of peace and unity and let the ECZ under Justice Ireen Mambilima do its job, which so far they (ECZ) have shown they can do well.
Zambia has yet again shown—as observed by international monitors and local ones—that it can go through a crucial poll, even at short notice as a united front, serve for a few regrettable differences but over-all, “we have scored yet another first in the region as a peaceful country and an even greater score as a responsible ruling party.”
Let me also let you know that I have spoken to our President Hon. Lungu who remains “up-beat and confident” that the Zambian voters have made the right decision in this election and that decision is likely to continue keeping him ahead of the race, even at the end of the race. Hon. Lungu is a God fearing man, a man who wants nothing but peace. He has won many battles during the period preceding this election and we have no doubt, his winning streak shall continue rising, given the hard work he has put into this race as a person and the support he has received from the party.
He wants to continue building health posts, expanding on the 8000kms of roads, expanding on the 4500 houses for the defence personnel and increasing bed spaces in universities and other higher institutions of learning, including economic diversification and an acceptable constitution. This is but an election… it is not the end of the world. God Bless you all. Issued By: Mr. Davies Chama SECREGTARY-GENERAL